Ezra 1-2

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    09                                                     Passage:    Ezra 1-2

Content (List of Topics or Events)

King Proclaims and Enables Israel’s Return (Ezra 1) 1. Cyrus proclamation for surviving Israel to return build a temple in Jerusalem (1-4) a. Appointed to build a temple b. Any of Israel may go build temple c. Proclaim “May God be with them” d. Living Survivors are to be provided silver, gold, goods, livestock and valuable gifts along with freewill offerings 2. Family head of Judah, Benjamin, Levites and those with prepared hearts prepared to go with neighbors’ assistance of items specified (5-6) 3. Cyrus brought out temple articles which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away (7) 4. Cyrus brought them by Mithredath, the treasurer and inventoried to Sheshbazzar prince of Judah (8-10) 5. Sheshbazzar brought these from Babylon to Jerusalem (11)

Returning Exiles Identified and Counted (Ezra 2:1-58) 1. People returning from captivity each to their own town in company of leaders (1-2) 2. Israel descendants identified and counted (a census) (2b-58) a. Men of Israel (2b-35) b. The priests (36-39) c. The Levites (40) d. The musicians (41) e. The gatekeepers of temple (42) f. The temple servants (43-54) g. The descendants of the servants of Solomon (55-58)

Lineage verified, settled and offerings (Ezra 2:59-70) 1. Returnees that could not show families descended from Israel (59-63) a. Descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah, Nekoda (60) b. Among the priests; Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai and excluded from priesthood as unclean (61-63) 4. Returning company numbered with slaves, and singers along with horses, mules, camels and donkeys (64-67) 5. Arriving in Jerusalem, families gave freewill offerings toward building temple (68-69) 6. Priest, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers and temple servants with others; Israelites settled in their towns (70)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

King Proclaims and Enables Israel’s Return	Ezra 1
Returning Exiles Identified and counted	Ezra 2:1-58
Lineage Verified, Settled and offerings	Ezra 2:59-70

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Ezra describes proclamation, enablement, count in Israel’s exile Jerusalem return.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God is faithful enabling the His people to do His work.

Application Questions

How has God delivered you from harsh circumstances and provided for you? How have you thanked Him?

In what ways have you counted your blessings?  Your blessing could be found in your descendants.

Where have you settled?  It’s not a place; it’s an attitude.

Principles to Remember           

God can use our leaders for His purposes

Blessings are to be counted

Gratitude comes from the heart

Characteristic of God

Promise Keeper

Theme

Ezra describes Cyrus’ proclamation, enabling decree and the details of Israels return from exile.

 

Daniel 10-12

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    08                                                     Passage:    Daniel 10-12

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Vision to Highly Esteemed Daniel (Daniel 10:1-11:1) 1. In Cyrus’ 3rd year, Daniel received a message came in a vision of a great war; he had mourned and obtained from food and wine for 3 weeks (1-2) 2. On the 24th day of the 1st month, Daniel, standing by the Tigris River Daniel sees a man dressed in linen, belt of gold,  body like topaz, shining face, eyes like torches, arms & legs gleam of bronze, voice like multitude listening fell into sleep, face to the ground (3-9) 3. Man touched Daniel, standing describes Daniel’s humbleness before Lord, words were heard, coming in response (10-12) 4. Man explains being detained by Prince of Persia 21 days; now explain what will happen in future to Daniel’s people (13-14) 5. Daniel given strength to speak even in anguish over a vision of man with words “Peace be strong” (15-19) 6. Reason he came to Daniel is to tell what is written in Book of Truth for people (20-21;11:1) a. Soon to fight prince of Persia b. Prince of Greece c. 1st year of Darius support and protection

Vision Prediction: Truth (Daniel 11:2-45) 1. Prediction of kings in Persia before a more powerful Greece overtakes (2-4) 2. Prediction of fruitless attempt to unite these two north and south kingdoms as iron and clay (5-6) 3. War between two kingdoms (7-15) 4. Kingdom of North will overtake kingdom of South have power over Israel (16) 5. King will be defeated with a Tax Collector coming to power (17-20) 6. A Contemptible person and act deceitfully desecrating temple and set up the abomination that causes desolation (21-32) 7. Wise will instruct, in process they’ll die, punished, tormented without support. They will be refined and made spotless (33-35) 8. King will do as he pleases, and honor his successes and those who him. Contempt for all religion (36-37) 9. King will wage war in and will come to an end in his pursuit without help from others (38-45)

Vision Explained: Knowledge and Understanding of Times End (Daniel 12) 1. Great Prince protector of will arise and those in the Book will be delivered (1) 2. Multitudes who sleep will awake some to everlasting life and others to contempt (2) 3. Wise will shine, those who lead to righteousness, like stars forever (3) 4. Daniel roll up and seal words until end; many will go and increase knowledge (4) 5. The question “how long” and man clothed in linen answered “for a time, times half a time”; when power of home people broken all completed (5-7) 6. The question “what is the outcome”; many will be purified, spotless refined, wicked will be wicked. Wicked won’t understand the wise will (8-10) 7. When daily sacrifice abolished, the abomination setup 1290 days; blessed is the one who waits and reaches the end 1335 days (11-12) 8. Daniel told to go your way till the end, he’ll rest and then will receive allotted inheritance (13)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Vision to Highly Esteemed Daniel	Daniel 10:1-11:1
Vision Prediction: Truth (Daniel 11:2-45)	Daniel 11:2-45
Vision Explained: Knowledge and Understanding of Times End	Daniel 12

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Daniel has final instructions outlined of kingdoms, outcomes and inheritance.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God delivers his righteousness and they will shine brightly forever and ever.

Application Questions

What do people say about you?  How does that impact you today?

In what ways does the happenings in the world trouble you? What is your response?

How has your understanding of God’s Kingdom impacted your relationship with others?  What is your truth?

Principles to Remember           

Humble prayer has an impact

Kings and kingdoms will pass away

God’s words increase our knowledge

Characteristic of God

Source of Knowledge

Theme

Daniel finds the truth that Kings and kingdoms will come and go; our hope, knowledge and hope come from the Lord.

 

Daniel 9

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    07                                                     Passage:    Daniel 9

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Daniel’s Prayer – The Preparation (Daniel 9:1-3) 1.  Daniel in first year of Darius reign understood from Jeremiah (scriptures) Jerusalem’s desolation would be 70 years (1-2) 2. Daniel pleaded in prayer to Lord God (3a) 3. Daniel fasted and humble himself through fasting, in sackcloth and ashes (3b)

Daniel’s Prayer – The Petition (Daniel 9:4-19) 1. Adoration - Prays and confesses to God who keeps His covenant of love with those who love him and keep His commands (4) 2. Confession - Describes Israel’s sins a. Wicked, rebellious, turned away from commands and laws, not listened to prophets who spoke your name. (5-6) b. Contrasts righteous Lord with shameful scattered unfaithful sinners “Israel” (7-8) c. Describing merciful forgiving God as opposed to rebellious disobedient transgressors of your law refusing to obey you (9-11a) 3. Recognition - Curses and judgments pour out because of our sin fulfilling words and bringing disaster (11b-15) a. Nothing like it done to Jerusalem b. We have not sought favor c. No hesitation in disaster; You are righteousness; we have not obeyed d. You brought us from Egypt with enduring name, we have sinned and done wrong 4. Petition - God to turn away anger and scorn from and have mercy (16-19)

Daniel’s Prayer – The Response (Daniel 9:20-27) 1. While in prayer, Gabriel comes to Daniel to give insight and understanding (20-22) 2. Word went out to tell you as soon as you began to pray; Daniel (23) 3. Seventy “Sevens” decreed to finish transgressions, atoning for wickedness and bringing everlasting righteousness; sealing up vision, prophecy and anointing Most Holy Place (24) 4. When word goes out to rebuild Jerusalem until Anointed One comes there will be 7 “sevens” and 62 “sevens”; it will be rebuilt in times of trouble (25) 5. After 62 “sevens” the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing and city and sanctuary destroyed (26a) 6. End will come like flood war will continue to end; desolations decreed (26b) 7. He will confirm covenant with many for one “seven” (27) a. In the middle of the “seven” he will put end to sacrifice and offering. b. At temple, he will set up abomination causing desolation c. Continue to the end that is decreed is poured out on him

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Daniel’s Prayer – The Preparation	Daniel 9:1-3
Daniel’s Prayer – The Petition	Daniel 9:4-19
Daniel’s Prayer – The Response	Daniel 9:20-27

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Daniel prays recognizing God, identifying Israel’s sins receiving “Sevens” description

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God hears our prayers; He is holy, loving and merciful and listened to our heartfelt requests.

Application Questions

How do you prepare yourself to enter the throne-room of God?

How does your honest confession recognize God’s grace and your need?

What ways do you listen to and apply God’s direction in your life? How do you patiently listen to His answer?

Principles to Remember           

Humble yourself before the Lord

Recognize God and our need

Our prayers are heard

Characteristic of God

Holy One

Theme

Daniel’s heartfelt prayer recognizes God’s holiness, Israel’s sin and petitions for mercy. God’s answer confirms future.

 

Daniel 7-8

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    06                                                     Passage:    Daniel 7-8

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Daniel’s Vision of 4 winds and 4 beasts (Daniel 7) 1.  Belshazzar 1st year dream of 4 winds churning up sea with 4 beasts out of sea (1-3) 2. 1st Beast like lion with wings of eagle; wings torn off, lifted from ground, two feet and mind of human (4) 4. 2nd Beast like bear with 3 ribs in mouth; told “get up and eat your fill of flesh” (5) 5. 3rd Beast like leopard with 4 wings and 4 heads with authority to rule (6) 6. 4th Beast terrifying, frightening powerful with iron teeth crushing, devouring victims underfoot remaining; had 10 horns (7-8) 7. Ancient of Day takes seat; He and court described as books opened (9-10) 8. Horn with boastful words thrown in fire; others lived for a time (11-12) 9. Son of Man from heaven; given authority, glory, power and everlasting dominion (13-14) 10. Daniel given interpretation with emphasis on 4th king (beast) who will be defeated and holy people delivered (15-28)

Daniel’s Vision of Ram and Goat (Daniel 8:1-14) 1. Daniel see another vision in Belshazzar 3rd year (already seen) of a ram with 2 horns with great power (1-4) 2. A goat with prominent horn knocked ram to the ground and became great; great horn knocked off and 4 grew in place toward heaven (5-8) 3. Out of one cam another horn growing in power beautiful land and to heavens taking away daily sacrifice; because of Lords people rebellions; no truth (9-10) 4. Daniel hears holy one speaking and another holy one asks how long will it take for vision to be fulfilled (11-13) 5. Holy one tells Daniel 2,300 evenings and mornings; then sanctuary will be consecrated (14)

Gabriel shares End of Time Vision (Daniel 8:15-27) 1. Daniel watching a one looking like a man. He hears a voice saying tell the vision’s meaning (15-16) 2. Daniel falls prostrate hearing “Son of man understand that the vision concerns time of the end” (17) 3. Daniel is touched, raised to feet, and told dream is about wrath appointed at time of the end (18-19) 4. Meaning told: (20-25) a. 2 horn ram is Media and Persia b. Goat is Greece c. 4 horns replacing are kingdoms emerging not having same power d. Latter part wickedness with fierce-looking king will arise causing devastation, deceit, considering himself superior; yet destroyed 5. Daniel told the vision of evenings and mornings is true, but seal it up for it is distant future (26) 6. Daniel is worn out and exhausted being appalled by vision; beyond understanding (27)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Daniel’s Vision of 4 winds and 4 beasts	Daniel 7
Daniel’s Vision of Ram and Goat	Daniel 8:1-14
Gabriel shares End of Time Vision	Daniel 8:15-27

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Beast dream, ram/goat vision highlight destruction and Most-High victory

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL kings may rule, cause pain but everlasting victory in in the Lord; the end is worth the journey.

Application Questions

Where does evil impact you? How can increase your trust in God for victory?

For what things is your patience being tested? How can you take them to the Lord to bring peace?

The journey is long, times are tough; how can deepen your time with the Lord realize His truth?

Principles to Remember           

God’s kingdom will not be destroyed.

Holy people will be in an everlasting kingdom

Glory and power belong to the Lord

Characteristic of God

Victorious

Theme

Daniel dreams of Beasts, has visions Rams, Goats each telling of the final victory of God and His people.

 

 

Daniel 5-6

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    05                                                     Passage:    Daniel 5-6

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Arrogance and Pride judged - Feast, Fingers, Fear (Daniel 5:1-17) 1.  King Belshazzar’s banquet for thousands of nobles drinking wine (1) 2. Goblets brought in and used taken from temple in Jerusalem praising their gods (2-4) 4. Fingers appear writing on wall causing king to fear (5-6) 5. Kings wise men can’t interpret causing increased fear with a promise of reward (7-9) 6. Queen enters banquet hall; saying what’s your problem. Your father knew Daniel’s characteristics and capabilities; call him for the meaning (10-12) 7. Daniel brought before king; where king declares wise can’t interpret writings, but heard you, from Judah, can solve difficult problems. (13-15) 8. King promises a reward of purple clothes, gold chain and third highest ruler (16) 9. Daniel refuses reward but will read and interpret writing (17)

Castigation declared - Father, Failure, Findings (Daniel 5:18-31) 1. Daniel shares God’s provision for Nebuchadnezzar (18-19) 2. Daniel describes God’s chastisement of Nebuchadnezzar (20-21a) 3. Nebuchadnezzar restored as he acknowledged God’s sovereignty(21b) 4. Belshazzar failed to knowledge God setting yourself up against God did not honor Him. (22-23) 5. Inscription translated: (24-28) a. Mene – number of days of your reign b. Tekel – weighed on scales and found wanting. c. Peres – Kingdom is divided and given to Medes and Persians 6. Belshazzar’s reward to Daniel (29) 7. Belshazzar’s punishment – slain and Darius the Mede took over kingdom (30-31)

God protects – Deception, Den, Declared (Daniel 6) 1. Darius ruling organization outlined (1-2) 2. Daniel’s distinguished qualities cause Darius to plan to set him up over kingdom (3) 3. Administrators/satraps look for charges against Daniel and find none (4-5) 4. Administrators deceptive plot for king to give unalterable written decree regarding prayer only to Mede or Persian god; penalty lion’s den (6-9) 5. Daniel learns of decree and prays 3 times a day for help (10) 6. Daniel found praying and it’s reported to king (11-12) 7. Daniel identified to king as one breaking command (13) 8. King in distress tries to save Daniel (14) 9. King pressured to throw Daniel in lion’s den and give order (15-17) 10. King has restless night gets up, hurries to den where Daniel points to God as savior (18-22) 11. Daniel released and false accusers consumed meeting Lyons (23-24) 12. Daniel’s God declared living God (25-28)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Arrogance and Pride judged - Feast, Fingers, Fear	Daniel 5:1-17
Castigation declared - Father, Failure, Findings	Daniel 5:18-31
God protects – Deception, Den, Declared	Daniel 6

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Belshazzar denigrates and judged; Daniel’s den salvation declares God’s hand

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL prideful arrogance can lead to destruction, while humble submission brings glory to God

Application Questions

Where do you stretch the bounds?  What attitude needs to change?

What truths you’ve experienced that need focus to reflect God in you?

How do you allow God’s hand to bring glory to Him? In what ways would your increased humility point to Jesus?

Principles to Remember           

Pride can lead to destruction

Humility recognizes God’s hand

Joy comes through faithful trust

Characteristic of God

Protection

Theme

Daniel boldly declares “humility before Lord” to Belshazzar and is protected through the Lion’s den, bringing glory to God

 

Daniel 3-4

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    04                                                     Passage:    Daniel 3-4

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Faith Victory – Faithful Protected Rejecting False Worship (Daniel 3-4:3) 1.  Nebuchadnezzar builds, sets up and dedicates idol (1-3) 2. Herald proclaims required worship of idol at playing music or penalty of furnace (4-7) 4. Astrologers denounce Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego for failure to worship idol to Nebuchadnezzar (8-12) 5. Furious Nebuchadnezzar summons three to say… if don’t worship, it’s the furnace; can any god rescue? (13-15) 6. Three respond “The God we serve can rescue… we will not worship your idol” (16-18) 7. Furious kings has three tied and thrown in (7x) furnace (19-23) 8. King sees 4 walking in furnace unharmed 4th like son of gods (24-25) 9. King calls for three to come out; they were unharmed (26-27) 10. King praised and ordered no one to disparage God; His kingdom is eternal (3:28-4:3)

Terrifying Vision – Daniel’s Dream Interpretation Requested (Daniel 4:4-18) 1. Nebuchadnezzar has dream that terrifies but wise of Babylon (1-3) 2. Astrologers fail to interpret dream and king calls Daniel to tell and interpret dream (4-8) 3. Daniel is told king’s dream of enormous tree with voice saying cut down the beautiful, plentiful tree and reason for dream (9-12) a. The tree physical characteristics described (13-15a) b. Loss of tree impact to birds, animals, change to animal mind until 7 times (15b-16) c. Decision and verdict to know the Most high who is sovereign over all (17) 4. King’s request to Belteshazzar to interpret dream because spirit of gods is in you (18)

Truth Revealed – Broken King Praises Most High (Daniel 4:19-37) 1. Daniel perplexed and terrified is assured by king “don’t be alarmed” (19) 2. Daniel tells vision; the subject is Nebuchadnezzar… he is tree (20-23) 3. Daniel describes dream’s meaning (24-27) a. Driven away and live with animals eating grass b. Seven times will pass until you acknowledge Most High sovereign. c. Advice renounce sins, do good, and be kind. 4. It happened 12 months later with a voice from heaven (28-33) 5. At the end of time, he raised eyes to heaven, sanity restored and praised Most High (34-35) 6. At this time, sanity, honor and splendor restored being restored to throne while praising King of heaven (36-37)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Faith Victory – Faithful Protected Rejecting False Worship	Daniel 3-4:3
Terrifying Vision – Daniel’s Dream Interpretation Requested	Daniel 4:4-18
Truth Revealed – Broken King Praises Most High	Daniel 4:19-37

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Nebuchadnezzar builds idol, demanding worship broken to worship God Almighty

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL God can use our faithfulness to bring Him glory in even the most difficult situations.

Application Questions

What things draw you away from God? How can you be victorious over those things?

What are you delaying that God wants handled?

How can God be praised for your victories?

Principles to Remember           

Faith is the Victory

God’s Truth demands Response

Victory is listening to God’s Voice

Characteristic of God

Most High

Theme

Victorious faith is demonstrated as we trust in God. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did it, Daniel shared it, Nebuchadnezzar learned it.